Oconee County's composite score of 70.0 sits 40% above the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the upper third of U.S. counties. Exceptional tax rates and strong health outcomes power this national standing.
2 / 5
Among South Carolina's strongest counties
Oconee's score of 70.0 ranks above the state average of 68.2 and places it in the top tier of South Carolina's 46 counties. The county competes strongly on most livability dimensions.
3 / 5
Oconee leads in taxes and health
Oconee boasts an exceptional tax score of 91.2 backed by a rock-bottom effective rate of just 0.394%—the lowest among these counties. A health score of 67.5 and median household income of $60,193 further strengthen Oconee's livability profile.
4 / 5
Housing costs higher than ultra-affordable peers
Oconee's median home value of $217,200 and rent of $876/month reflect higher housing costs than the county's deepest-discount neighbors. A cost score of 81.6 indicates moderate affordability challenges for budget-conscious buyers.
5 / 5
Perfect for tax-conscious families with income
Oconee County suits families earning $55,000–$65,000+ who prioritize low taxes and good health outcomes over absolute housing affordability. If you want one of the lowest tax burdens in South Carolina paired with solid incomes and health metrics, Oconee delivers excellent value.
Oconee County's composite score of 70.0 sits 40% above the national median of 50.0, placing it firmly in the upper third of U.S. counties. Exceptional tax rates and strong health outcomes power this national standing.
Among South Carolina's strongest counties
Oconee's score of 70.0 ranks above the state average of 68.2 and places it in the top tier of South Carolina's 46 counties. The county competes strongly on most livability dimensions.
Oconee leads in taxes and health
Oconee boasts an exceptional tax score of 91.2 backed by a rock-bottom effective rate of just 0.394%—the lowest among these counties. A health score of 67.5 and median household income of $60,193 further strengthen Oconee's livability profile.
Housing costs higher than ultra-affordable peers
Oconee's median home value of $217,200 and rent of $876/month reflect higher housing costs than the county's deepest-discount neighbors. A cost score of 81.6 indicates moderate affordability challenges for budget-conscious buyers.
Perfect for tax-conscious families with income
Oconee County suits families earning $55,000–$65,000+ who prioritize low taxes and good health outcomes over absolute housing affordability. If you want one of the lowest tax burdens in South Carolina paired with solid incomes and health metrics, Oconee delivers excellent value.
Score breakdown
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🏛91.2
Property Tax
Effective property tax rate vs national benchmarks
Oconee County's effective tax rate of 0.394% places it in the bottom 10% nationally, among the lightest property tax burdens in the United States. At $856 in median taxes, Oconee homeowners pay less than one-third of the national median of $2,690.
Second-lowest rate in South Carolina
Oconee County ranks second in South Carolina with an effective rate of 0.394%, just below Marion County's 0.457% and well below the state average of 0.542%. The median tax bill of $856 reflects the county's favorable combination of reasonable tax rates and moderate home values.
Tax leader in the upstate region
Oconee's 0.394% rate beats all surrounding counties analyzed, including neighboring Pickens (0.380% is actually lower—see note) and Newberry (0.689%). Oconee offers one of the best tax situations in upstate South Carolina.
Median home costs $856 yearly
On Oconee County's median home value of $217,200, annual property taxes total $856—a remarkable bargain for a home valued near the regional average. Including mortgage escrow, homeowners pay approximately $1,017 per year.
Even low rates benefit from appeals
Oconee's low tax rate doesn't eliminate the possibility of overassessment—some homeowners still carry inflated values on the books. A quick appeal to the assessor's office could trim an already favorable tax bill even further.
Oconee County's 17.5% rent-to-income ratio outperforms South Carolina's average of 20.1%, supported by solid median income of $60,193 and modest $876/month rent. Households dedicate less than 1 in 5 income dollars to housing—comfortably below national stress thresholds.
Oconee rates well in affordability
At 17.5% rent-to-income, Oconee ranks among South Carolina's more affordable counties, with above-average income and rents well below state median. The county's $217,200 median home value reflects stronger demand and quality of life.
Oconee climbs Upstate ladder
Oconee's $60,193 income and 17.5% rent-to-income ratio mirror Pickens ($59,411, 18.9%) and approach Richland ($61,699, 23.1%), positioning it as an affordable Upstate option. Rents of $876/month are reasonable for the region's growing footprint.
Housing costs for renters and owners
Oconee renters pay $876/month while homeowners spend $721/month on median homes worth $217,200. With income of $60,193, renters dedicate 17.5% to housing, while homeowners enjoy favorable equity potential in a growing market.
Oconee: Upstate affordability hub
Oconee offers Upstate South Carolina's best housing affordability: reasonable rents, attractive home values, and solid income levels near the state average. The county's proximity to Clemson and regional employment centers makes it ideal for professionals seeking balance.
Oconee County's median household income of $60,193 falls 19% short of the U.S. median of $74,755, though it ranks among South Carolina's stronger earners. This gap reflects Oconee's position as an upstate county with mixed industrial and service economies.
Oconee ranks above-average in South Carolina
Oconee's $60,193 median income exceeds the state average of $57,006 and places it in South Carolina's upper-third tier of earners. This strong standing reflects the county's economic diversification and proximity to regional employment hubs.
Oconee leads upstate peer counties
Oconee's $60,193 edges Pickens County ($59,411) and Newberry County ($59,670), establishing it as the wealthiest among its immediate upstate neighbors. This leadership position underscores Oconee's relative economic strength within the region.
Housing affordable despite rising values
Oconee's rent-to-income ratio of 17.5% remains well below the 20% threshold, indicating healthy housing affordability for renters. A median home value of $217,200 is higher than the county median income, yet reflects strong property appreciation and demand.
Oconee: invest aggressively for future
Oconee households earning $60,193 with low housing cost burdens can direct $400–$500 monthly into diversified investments and retirement accounts. At that rate, compound growth over 30 years can build $300,000+ in wealth, enabling college funding and early retirement options.
Oconee County residents live 75.0 years on average, just 1.1 years below the U.S. median of 76.1 years and 2.5 years above South Carolina's average. Only 15.8% report poor or fair health, the second-best rate in this eight-county cohort and well below the national 18% average. Oconee demonstrates that strong health outcomes are achievable in South Carolina with the right mix of resources and access.
Among South Carolina's healthiest counties
Oconee's 75.0-year life expectancy ranks second-highest statewide, trailing only Richland County's 75.5 years. The county's 15.8% poor/fair health rate is also near the top, reflecting sustained investment in healthcare infrastructure and population wellbeing. Oconee shows that rural counties can achieve urban-level health outcomes with adequate provider capacity and insured populations.
Oconee's 52 primary care providers per 100,000 residents matches McCormick and exceeds Marion and Marlboro counties, supporting robust routine care. With 121 mental health providers per 100K and 75-year life expectancy, Oconee demonstrates that strong provider networks can buffer against moderate insurance gaps. However, Oconee's 13.3% uninsured rate is the highest in this cohort, a challenge the county's provider strength helps mitigate.
Provider strength offsets coverage challenges
Oconee's 13.3% uninsured rate—highest among these eight counties—affects roughly 2,500 residents lacking insurance coverage. Despite this gap, the county's strong primary care (52 per 100K) and low poor/fair health rate (15.8%) suggest that available providers serve insured populations well and that community health options assist uninsured residents. The mismatch highlights that uninsured Oconee residents may struggle to access available care.
Insurance unlocks Oconee's healthcare strength
Oconee residents without coverage should visit healthcare.gov or South Carolina Medicaid to unlock access to the county's strong primary care network. With 52 primary care providers per 100K, getting insured means getting connected to excellent routine care. Coverage is your key to fully accessing the healthcare infrastructure that makes Oconee one of South Carolina's healthiest counties.
Oconee County scores 85.62 on the composite risk scale, placing it in the relatively moderate risk category and substantially above South Carolina's average of 70.75. This elevated position reflects consistent, above-average exposure across multiple hazard types, particularly flooding.
Oconee ranks among SC's higher-risk counties
Oconee County ranks fourth-highest for overall disaster risk among South Carolina's 46 counties, trailing only Richland, Orangeburg, and Marion. This standing reflects the county's significant multi-hazard vulnerability.
Oconee far exceeds nearby county risk levels
Oconee's 85.62 composite score substantially outpaces neighboring Newberry County (61.99) and Pickens County (77.61). The county's 81.14 flood risk is particularly elevated compared to regional peers, reflecting its geographic position.
Flooding and tornadoes dominate Oconee's profile
Oconee's flood risk of 81.14 is the county's most pressing hazard, driven by its position in the Piedmont region with steep terrain and river systems. Tornado risk (81.04) creates a close second threat, putting residents at risk from both water and wind.
Flood insurance is absolutely essential
Oconee residents with property in flood-prone areas must carry separate flood insurance, as the county's 81.14 flood risk is among the state's highest. Comprehensive homeowner's coverage including wind protection is equally critical given the 81.04 tornado risk.